Published: October 05, 2008 11:29 pm            

Another championship for local Noll

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — David Noll Jr. of Dalton took an early lead, then held off a late charge from Josh Gregory of Augusta to win his second Atlanta Amateur Match Play Championship by a 2-up margin at Rivermont Golf and Country Club. Gregory conceded the match to Noll on 18 after his long par putt slid past the hole and Noll had just two feet for his par.

Gregory's tee shot on 18 hit a tree, then his second shot came to rest just right of the green. His chip rolled across to the green's left edge. Noll was on the front of the green in two and putted to two feet. Gregory's long par attempt was close, but trailed past the hole to give Noll the victory.

“My dad always told me that anything worth having is also worth working for,” Noll said. “I take this seriously and it’s really rewarding to put the time and effort in and then get the spoils that come with it.”

Noll, who also won this event in 2005, joins a long list of champions with multiple titles in this event, but is the first since Rocky Costa of Alpharetta captured the second of his two titles in 2000.

Noll said Sunday’s win marked his fourth overall state amateur event title.

The win also gives Noll a comfortable lead in the standings for the Georgia State Golf Association’s 2008 Men’s Player of the Year honors.

        

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